Theories of Child Development In the beginning… Aristotle (4th century B.C.) How does life begin? His answer: Epigenesis epigenesis- the emergence of new structures and functions in the course of development Ex. fertilized chicken eggs Modern day thoughts… Let’s study physical and behavior development in the womb embryology- the scientific study of prenatal development in the womb

Conception Gametes • egg and sperm • contain half of the chromosomes present in all other cells • almost all the eggs a female will have are formed during her own prenatal development • men produce vast numbers of new sperm continuously

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Conception Did you know… • the egg is the largest cell in the human body • every ejaculation carries as many as 500 million sperm and only about 200 ever get near the egg • sperm must travel for at least 6 hrs, approximately 6-7 inches to reach the fallopian tubes where conception takes place

Conception- Is it a boy or is it a girl? Round 1: The Amazing Race… • the sperm determines the sex • sperm possessing a Y chromosome (genetic makeup for a boy) are lighter and swim faster • about 120-150 males : 100 females Round 2: Survivor… • about 106 males : 100 females - what happened? • miscarriages are higher with males • birth is more challenging - 50% result in Cesarean delivery • tend to suffer disproportionately from developmental disorders Round 3: Audience Participation… • boys are more highly valued over females in some cultures

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